LAUNDRY ON CRUISES
Here at Prow’s Edge we talk constantly about packing light and that you need only half of what you really want to take. Laundry at sea plays an important part in this.
Being prepared for laundry and the options on offer can make the cruise sail more smoothly than you would expect.
For the special care items, like those you need for the formal nights, the on board dry cleaning service on most cruise ships offers a next day service. You just need to plan a head.
Most formal nights are on the second night of the cruise, so you need to take care planning for pressing your tuxedo or cocktail dress the moment you get on board.
For all the rest, most cruise lines have laundry facilities where you can wash the smalls, T-shirts, and others just as you would at home. Cost for a load is typically about $2 for a wash load, and about the same for the dryer.
Like other facilities on board, there are busy times when you might have to join the line-up. Cruise passengers have told Prow’s Edge that it is a good idea to avoid the peak times by planning your laundry duties for very early in the morning or very late at night.
Another tip is to try another deck if the laundry on your own deck is busy. Also, if you are going to make use of these facilities, it is a good idea to pack a bag to cart your private wares to and from the laundry.
Some passengers here at Prow’s Edge have suggested that the shampoo provided by the cruise lines works very well on the “smalls” - a few moments last thing at night - and you are equipped with fresh “undies” for the day after next.
CHECK OUT THE FORUM ON PACKING WITH LAUNDRY IN MIND
For more advice on a wide range of topics take a look at the Prow's Edge Cruise Forum and Cruise Message Boards and see what fellow passengers have to say about everything from cruise lines, cruises and cruise passengers to what to pack, what to dress and everything else you can think of about cruises.
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